Pune: Noble Hospital recently celebrated the fifth birthday of a child who defied the odds after being born at just 24 weeks of gestation. This remarkable case of extreme prematurity highlights the hospital’s exceptional neonatal care, which ensured the child’s intact survival and normal developmental progress.

The baby boy, weighing only 530 grams at birth, is among the most premature infants born in South East Pune. Despite requiring ventilator support, the child experienced no major complications, infections, or morbidities throughout his NICU stay.

Dr. Anil Khamkar, Academic Head and Senior Consultant at Noble Hospital’s NICU, explained that extreme preterm births are often associated with challenges like intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and developmental delays. However, due to strict asepsis protocols and expert care, this baby had no IVH and remained infection-free during his NICU stay.

Kangaroo care, provided alternately by the child’s mother and father, played a vital role in the recovery process. Dr. P.D. Pote, a pediatrician at Noble Hospital, emphasized the importance of excellent nutrition, which included Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) initially and later human milk. This approach helped the child achieve growth comparable to that of a full-term infant.

Noble Hospital’s NICU is equipped with advanced technology, including a human milk bank and a multidisciplinary care team. According to Dr. Divij Mane, Director of Noble Hospital and Research Centre, these resources ensure the highest standards of neonatal care. The hospital’s JCI Gold Seal accreditation underscores its commitment to healthcare quality and excellence.

Dr. Mane praised the NICU team for their dedication and adherence to strict protocols, which contributed to the child’s exceptional recovery. “We are proud of our team of doctors, nurses, and support staff for meeting global standards and achieving such positive outcomes,” he said.